Another Prominent Tenn. Democrat Bows Out

The Tennessean reports that Henry's political ally attorney Nick Bailey sent an email to Henry's supporters yesterday announcing the 86-year-old Nashville Democrat's decision. Bailey says Henry will serve the remainder of his term.

Henry was the longtime chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee until Republicans took control of the upper chamber in 2007 and party spokesman Brandon Puttbrese says his decades of public service are deeply appreciated.

“He’s been at the forefront of leading governor’s on fiscal responsibility, certainly in running our government effectively, along with partnering with business to create good paying jobs here in Tennessee.”

Henry's District 21 seat represents southwestern Nashville, including some of the city's wealthiest neighborhoods. Puttbrese says interest is already being shown in the seat.

“We suspect that there will be a spirited primary in that district. There’s already been murmurs. I won’t speak for anyone at this point, but I suspect that that race will draw a lot of attention because it’s a good democratic district.”

Before his election to the Senate, Henry served a single term in the state House beginning in 1955. He was later elected to the Senate in 1971 where he has remained.